What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle coordination, posture and balance. It is caused by damage to the developing brain. CP is not contagious and not progressive — and with the right care, children can make meaningful progress.
A simple explanation for parents
Cerebral Palsy affects how the brain controls the muscles. It can happen before, during or shortly after birth. Because every child's brain and body are different, CP affects each child in their own way — some have mild movement difficulties, while others need more support.
Importantly, CP itself does not get worse over time. With therapy, care and patience, many children improve their mobility, communication and independence.
Diagnosis & assessmentKey facts
- Affects movement, posture & coordination
- Caused by damage to the developing brain
- Not contagious and not progressive
- Affects every child differently
- Early therapy can greatly improve quality of life
The main types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP
The most common type. Causes muscle stiffness and difficulty with movement.
Dyskinetic CP
Causes involuntary, uncontrolled body movements.
Ataxic CP
Mainly affects balance and coordination.
Mixed CP
A combination of more than one type of Cerebral Palsy.
Early signs of CP
- Delayed crawling or walking
- Muscle stiffness or floppiness
- Difficulty sitting independently
- Poor posture
- Feeding difficulties
- Speech delay
Early warning signs
Recognising the signs early gives a child the best possible start. Parents are often the first to notice when something feels different — trust your instincts and seek guidance.
Common symptoms include difficulty walking, muscle stiffness or weakness, delayed milestones, speech difficulties, poor coordination and balance problems. Not every child shows the same signs.
Talk to us about your concernsCauses of CP
CP is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the brain that affects muscle control. This can occur before birth, during birth, or shortly afterwards — for example, due to infections, lack of oxygen, premature birth or other factors.
Why early diagnosis matters
Early diagnosis and therapy intervention can significantly improve mobility, communication skills and independence. The earlier support begins, the more a child's developing brain can benefit.
Concerned about your child's development?
You don't have to navigate this alone. Reach out for guidance, or explore the therapies that can help your child grow.